New sportstech export program to kick goals

A new Sportstech Export Capability Program will support South Australian sportstech companies to kickstart their growth into the US market, tapping into a US$500 billion sports industry.

The program, announced at a South Australian Sportstech Showcase as part of the AFL Gather Round, will be delivered in partnership by the South Australian Government and the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN).

Up to 10 eligible South Australian sports technology companies will have the opportunity to access additional tools to explore and expand into the competitive US and allied markets, including workshops and targeted mentoring to build and execute their export strategies.

The program will culminate in an ASTN-led trade mission in June to meet directly with US sportstech companies, customers and investors.

The United States is home to a large and passionate sports market, the biggest sports media and streaming markets in the world, and a well-established venture capital ecosystem.

Launched at the South Australian Sportstech Showcase, the event featured 12 South Australian companies including Cellr, Club Ducks, CME, CyberSolveIQ, Earthling, Go2Coach, Invictus, Lumin Sports, MyVenue, Rubber Side Down, Sportal and Your Brain Health. The companies pitched to clubs, association and sporting officials interested in sourcing sports technology innovations.

“South Australia’s sportstech sector shows tremendous potential for growth with several major sporting events in the pipeline, and several stadium and technology leaders headquartered in the state,” said Dr Martin Schlegel, Chair, Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN).

“ASTN is proud to be partnering with the South Australian Government to help grow the local sportstech ecosystem by delivering the South Australian Sportstech Export Capability Program. Programs like this have proved to be highly successful in scaling growth-stage startups that are ready to compete on the global stage.  

 

“We are encouraging all South Australian based sportstech startups and small businesses to apply for the program, where they will gain access to industry experts, connect with likeminded businesses, as well as have the opportunity to access new markets.”

 

Adelaide-based MyVenue, which provides a seamless ordering experience for venues selling food and beverages, recently opened a new office at Lot Fourteen after successfully growing their US exports to $18.1 million in 2024.

Used at 186 venues across the globe, MyVenue has more than doubled its market share in the last 12 months, including revenue growth of 537 per cent in three years.

“The immense size, pace, and willingness to back innovation makes the US sports & entertainment sector an enormous market for innovators. Australians, like Americans, love their sport,” said Tim Stollznow, Chief Executive Officer, MyVenue.

 

“This, coupled with Australia’s world-class IT expertise, creates a fantastic opportunity for Australian sportstech companies.  MyVenue’s success is testament to the reality of this unique position.”

 

Adelaide-based software company Lumin Sports provides teams with one app to manage athletic performance, team operations, strength and conditioning, and medical administration.

Used by more than 250 teams around the world, including those competing in Formula 1, Major League Rugby (MLR) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Lumin Sports is fast becoming a leader in athlete management and strength programming.

“We’re proud of our early success in the US, which includes being used by more than 50 high-performance teams, but we’re only just getting started,” said Ben Tripodi, Chief Executive Officer, Lumin Sports.

“The US market will be critical to our next stage of business growth, so we’re always looking for ways to maximise our reach.

“Any opportunity that allows us to connect with US customers is hugely important for our business, growing our global reputation, and underlining South Australia’s reputation has an innovation hub.”

Learn more about the South Australian Sportstech Export Capability Program

Applications close on Sunday 27 April 2025.